We are speaking, but no one is listening.

Zan,

I can't remember a single subject on which you and I have ever agreed. But you have stumbled over one here. Americans do not understand Islam for the most part. We have little idea what you believe (outside of the prophet Mohammad who l think most liken to Moses). What little knowledge I have is embarassing to me as I like to think I am somewhat informed on a number of issues. I know of his time in Medina, his attack on Mecca and his death two short years later.
I do know that the religion he introduced spread like wild fire across the Arab world. The fracturing of Islam I see as being something like the fracturing of Christianinty after Calvin and Luther called the Catholics on their hypocracy. Am I even close?

I would suggest that the next time a show has a subject like this that you call in. You can not expect the uninformed to educate the uninformed.

I know I could spend some time running the internet and gaining this knowledge, but I ask in what source I should put my trust when researching Islam? Only the Koran?

Help an uneducated Protestant in his quest for knowledge.

oh my goodness...I don't belive it but Mr Average American...I can actually find some common ground with you. 

I would hate to be the one to tell you about Islam.  I am just a Muslimah, not a scholar.  If you would, please go to the library and study it for your own self.  Of course, I am sure that you are not forbidden by your faith to do this, and it would do you well in understanding us.  I, (this woman writing) can only tell you of my experiences with Islam, and of course, my bias will show to you.  I am not avoiding this, but simply saying that I belive that the way to make an honest, fully informed decision is to do this yourself is you are so inclined.

Now, to the answer to the questions you posed in your reply.

I suppose that the first thing I would do is study the history of the Arab region at the time of the rise of Islam.  Note how the people who practiced it contrasted with those who did not in the context of history.  I would suggest that we not compare the time we live in now, nor the culture we know as Americans to the people of Arabia to make judgements about us.   I would ask that you read about Salidan while you are on your journey of discovery.

Please also note too, that only about 20% of those who practice Islam now are Arab (if even that), and that Islam is the most culturally diverse religion in the world.  Also note that some practices attributed to Islam that of course have been "propagandized" into the vilifcation processes of the media as being "Islamic" (such as female curcumcision, and "honor" killing) are actually cultural and are forbidden by Islam.  Please also read the meaning of the word "Jihad" from a true Islamic scholar.  You might be surprised.  But most of all, talk to the people of Islam.  Ask them (or us) how they see the world.  Ask an American Muslim what the thought of Septembre 11, 2001. (as an example)  I say this to you because as far as I can recall, no one asked any Muslim American what they thought.

and then...you are ready for the Qur'an.

I pray for you in your honest effort to become informed.  I am sure that we, on other matters will butt heads, but now, I see you in a bit of a different light.  You will be an honored opponent.

Peace be unto you all

Zanubiyah

Zanubiyah,

I spend some time today reading in both an Ecyclopedia and going on line and learning what I could about the Five Pillars of Islam/

As I am nowhere near ready to talk about this yet, I would like to say thank you for your ideas about where to go and where to look for answers and more importantly knowledge about it. Answers can be easy, but knowledge is the key to understanding.

One thing in closing, I have met at least one Muslim that I directly asked about 9/11 and his answer was what I would have expected from a person living in and benefitting from the freedom they have in America, he were mad as hell. He was also upset that it was people who had in his words, "lied" about his faith. We talked for only a few minutes but his message was clear to me, not all Muslims are terrorist, a lesson I really did not need to hear but was happy to have it made clear from a Muslim.

I hope to be better educated as we move forward with our discussions.

I am hardly an expert on the subject. However, I am getting the impression that some of my question might morror some of the yours. I would be willing to do the show.

Zanubiyah, what do you say?

My only issue is I would lke a couple of weeks to research out some questions I have about the subject and on  Radical Islam so that we can make a clear comparison between what Zanubiyah believes and follows as a religion and what those who are using it as a religious sheild for murder are preaching.

I want to make clear that they are different.